The Orange also struggled with a perpetual problem it has to face each season: rebounding. Despite being much taller than Southern Connecticut State, the Orange was outrebounded 25-22 in the first half.

“We didn’t go after the ball and didn’t make the effort we had to,” Boeheim said.

SU picked up the pace in the second half and outrebounded the Owls by 13, finishing with a +10 advantage overall. Even more impressive was SU’s dominance in blocks, as it held an 11-0 advantage.

The Orange also showed encouraging signs in its full-court press. Boeheim ordered the press frequently to apply pressure and it was effective, accounting for several of the Owls’ 20 turnovers.

“We’re better defensively with our pressure and we’re mobile there,” Boeheim said. “We did a decent job making it difficult for them.”

Syracuse has a short four-day turnaround before the regular season home opener against Cornell on Friday. There will be plenty of growing pains along the way.

“Sometimes with young guys, they don’t understand the level of intensity you have to play with,” Boeheim said. “It takes a little while.”

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Jenn is currently covering Syracuse basketball, lacrosse, and football. Jenn has interned for NBC Sports Boston, the official network of the Boston Celtics and is a senior at Syracuse studying advertising and marketing management. A native of Boston, Massachusetts, Jenn is an avid sports fan and looks to continue her dream of sports reporting and sports writing. Follow her on Twitter @jennnnncastro.